Multiple Hands When Not Counting

Does it make a difference how many hands I bet when not counting if the total bet is the same as far as the vig is concerned? If I bet three hands at $10 or one hand at $30 is there a difference in the long term?

Quote: silentbob16

Does it make a difference how many hands I bet when not counting if the total bet is the same as far as the vig is concerned?

No. Playing fewer hands will lower your variance though (assuming that you play 1/2 the amount on each hand)

Quote: AxiomOfChoice

No. Playing fewer hands will lower your variance though (assuming that you play 1/2 the amount on each hand)

Fewer hands will lower variance?

Quote: silentbob16

Fewer hands will lower variance?

Sorry, typo. Playing more hands will lower variance.

ie, 2x50 is less variance than 1x100.

That's what I thought, thank you.

If you're not counting (e.g. flat betting), you might lose MORE playing multiple hands. Here's why: your variance will be lower. If you have a session win goal of $xx, it will be tougher to hit that goal since your bankroll will fluctuate less. Also, the speed of the game will be quicker. A dealer can deal to one player at 2 hands quicker than 2 players at 1 hand each. One player will have less frequent buy-ins, color ups, etc. Finally, the first hand after a shuffle in a shoe game WILL have a negative expectation. The next hand(s) MAY have a positive expectation. If you're playing 2 hands, this first (negative EV) round will take up a larger portion of the shoe.

Also, if you're being rated for comps, some casinos may rate a player playing 2 spots at $25 as a $25 (not $50) player. Be sure to ask the floorman if you're being rated on both spots.

I hope this helps. Replies appreciated.

More good stuff for me to ponder, thanks.

Quote: nvr55xx

If you're not counting (e.g. flat betting), you might lose MORE playing multiple hands. Here's why: your variance will be lower. If you have a session win goal of $xx, it will be tougher to hit that goal since your bankroll will fluctuate less. Also, the speed of the game will be quicker. A dealer can deal to one player at 2 hands quicker than 2 players at 1 hand each. One player will have less frequent buy-ins, color ups, etc. Finally, the first hand after a shuffle in a shoe game WILL have a negative expectation. The next hand(s) MAY have a positive expectation. If you're playing 2 hands, this first (negative EV) round will take up a larger portion of the shoe.

Also, if you're being rated for comps, some casinos may rate a player playing 2 spots at $25 as a $25 (not $50) player. Be sure to ask the floorman if you're being rated on both spots.

I hope this helps. Replies appreciated.

You will definitely lose more since the EV of BS blackjack is .33 where I play. So it would be .33 x 2 hands but your variance will be lowered so your swings will be less. Now if your CCing, you will have more control of the table and be able to get more of the high cards and more BJs during high counts.